Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi embarked on his first overseas trip of the year to Africa on Tuesday, continuing a longstanding tradition that underscores Beijing’s priority on relations with the continent.Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, will visit Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, and Lesotho from January 7 to 12.
During the tour, he will attend the launching ceremony of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.This marks the 36th consecutive year since 1991 that a Chinese foreign minister has chosen Africa as the destination for their inaugural overseas visit, a practice initiated to highlight the continent’s strategic importance in China’s foreign policy.
The itinerary reflects deepening ties with key partners:Ethiopia — Home to the AU headquarters and a hub for regional diplomacy.
Somalia — A rare high-level visit amid enhanced security cooperation and Beijing’s support for Mogadishu’s sovereignty, particularly in the strategically vital Gulf of Aden region.
Tanzania — A historic ally with shared ties dating back to the 1970s, including ongoing infrastructure projects like the Tanzania-Zambia Railway refurbishment.
Lesotho — Representing southern Africa’s partnerships, where China positions itself as a champion of free trade for developing nations.
Analysts note that the tour comes as China seeks to reinforce its influence in East and Southern Africa, focusing on trade corridors, resource access, and people-to-people exchanges.
The 2026 designation as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges aims to foster cultural, youth, and educational ties.China remains Africa’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade continuing to grow despite global economic challenges. The visit is expected to advance cooperation in infrastructure, security, and development under frameworks like the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.As Wang Yi’s tour begins today, it signals Beijing’s commitment to an “all-weather” friendship with Africa in an evolving global landscape.
